Midland High grad Brooke Ryan made the most of her two years with the Odessa College softball team.

In 2018 as a sophomore, Ryan finished third nationally among NJCAA Division I batters with a blistering 1.114 slugging percentage.

Ryan’s performance didn’t go unnoticed, as the outfielder recently announced her commitment to play for the NCAA Division I University of Nevada-Las Vegas softball team next season.

Ryan said UNLV assistant coach Andy Jarvis noticed her during the Lady Wranglers’ February trip to a tournament in Galveston. Ryan was struck in the face by a fastball in the tournament, and Jarvis continued contact with her, which meant a lot to the former Lady Bulldog. She said UNLV was the only major program that was willing to give her a spot on their roster.

“I got hit by a fastball and he still kept up with me and stuff,” Ryan said. “They were just really great people and I’m really thankful that they still wanted me after that.”

Ryan was an All-NJCAA Region V West first-team selection, and made the first team of the WJCAC All-Conference Team in 2018.

Ryan said Lady Wrangers head coach Jeff Jackson and assistant coach Melanie Jaegers were instrumental in her improvement and getting noticed by a Division I school.

“Coach Jackson and coach Jaegers, I think they’re a huge part of the reason why my game became so much better,” Ryan said. “They really taught more about the mental game and how to be mentally stronger. I’ve always struggled with that as a player. When we worked out, it was more about mentally preparing for it.

“We still physically prepared for the season but it also was a mental challenge. I got challenged all through the year and it was an absolute awesome experience, because I pushed myself more than I’ve ever pushed myself before. It all paid off in the end, so I’m very thankful for both of them.”

Ryan, who was the District 3-6A MVP for MHS in 2016, missed all of her junior season in 2015 after tearing the ACL in her right knee.

“I honestly would not change any of the obstacles that I have been through,” Ryan said. “I think that’s only made me want more for myself and to work harder. Without those obstacles, I wouldn’t be who I am today and where I am. I’m thankful for every one that has helped me because it was a long journey, but I think it was definitely worth it.”

Ryan plans to major in kinesiology and minor in nutrition at UNLV. She already received her associate degree in kinesiology, exercise and sports science from OC.